BEMIDJI, Minn. - Concordia's Maria Steinhagen reached the 1,000 kill milestone in a 3-0 win over Bemidji State (6-15, 2-7 NSIC) on Friday evening, 25-18, 25-14, 25-12. The senior tabbed 15 kills with just a single error, hitting .667 to give the team their 20th straight win of the season. The Golden Bears (20-1, 9-0 NSIC) head to Duluth tomorrow afternoon to take on rival Minnesota Duluth at 4:00 pm.
A second-set opening kill from Steinhagen put the Golden Bears up early and also gave the senior her 1,000th career kill. She joins eight other players in Concordia history to notch 1,000 or more kills. Steinhagen kept a hot arm swinging and accumulated a season high 15 kills on the night. She now has 1,009 kills through 110 matches play.
The Golden Bears reached their 20th season win and also 20th consecutive win by blocking a season high 12 balls and holding the Beavers to .047 hitting. The squad had 48 kills and a .385 hitting average. Emily Palkert came up with eight blocks, one solo and seven assisted, and also had 11 kills.
Sadie Kessler and Ellie Duffy each tempered the CU offense with eight kills and four block assists, Kessler also added a solo block. With the Beavers stymied at the net, the Concordia back line was not forced to save many balls. They came up with 36 digs, led by Mary Slinger with ten.
The 20 season wins sets Concordia's streak of 20 or more wins at six straight seasons. 20 consecutive wins is a current NCAA best streak and the second best streak in CU history. The 2003 and 2004 squads each posted 21 consecutive wins.
Tomorrow afternoon's match against the Bulldogs will be broadcast live and free of charge at www.northernsun.tv. The Golden Bears and Bulldogs have developed an extensive rivalry over the years and return to NSIC play for the first time in several seasons. Minnesota Duluth has won three of the last four meetings between the teams, although the Golden Bears have the most recent win, knocking the Bulldogs out of playoff contention last season in the regional championship. The Golden Bears advanced to the Elite Eight with the win and went on to win the National Championship.
